I have a '79 HD FLH80 that I've been trying to get back on the road for sometime now. It still has a points and condenser ignition system that seems to be giving me some trouble. Looking for input on changing over to a newer electronic system and coil. Better? More dependable? Recommend a brand?

 

Lots of Folks pulling O.E. Electronic ignition.
Works fine, lasts a long time, generally very inexpensive!
Or, I use Dyna-S. Not a good candidate for Maintenance free tho! Still that advance mechanism to fool with.

 

I too use the Dyna S.
I think your 1979 would have come with electronic ignition originally.

 

Yes, but, I believe the Early Prestolite Ignition...many folks yanked 'em out...
I still use one. Still have that damn mechanical advance, plus the air-gap can be a Pain.

 

I have seen the Dyna S with a coil for about $200. Are the more expensive kits worth the price to do away with the mechanical advance?

 

Another vote for the Dyna S system and if you do go that route spend a bit more and get a good quality heavy duty mechanical advance unit like Rivera or one similar. The standard cheap black ones are junk within 6 months.

 

Depends.
If you are meticulous about maintenance, At least Yearly, Then a decent [not Chiwanese] mechanical advance is certainly workable. If However, you are like my eldest, something maintenance free may be desirable.
I installed a "take-off" OE unit on his old Ironhead, and He has Zero Problems for the last few years. My youngest recently went that way too...I still have the Procedure engrained to check the advance unit...so, I can live with Points, or The Prestolite, or certainly the Dyna-S.

 

My local shovel guru recommended the Ultima ignition...it is the same ignition as the Dynatek 2000i with a different sticker on it. Cheaper than the Dyna s and a new Rivera advance unit. Don't buy the "kit" with the ultima coil...word is the ultima coil is junk.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultima-Progr...2635d4&vxp=mtr

 

I bought an Ultima unit that is a Dyna S lookalike. I thought I read somewhere that the ultima was the Dyna relabeled. However I found that the blue and white wires are reversed between the two brands.

 

Lots of folks believe the Ultima is the same as ...So and So....White consolidated Industries made refrigerators for lots of retailers also....they were Definitely Not to the same specification...nor therefor Price Point!!!!
Believe what you want to.....